Corrections union still at impasse

DARTMOUTH — The union representing corrections officers in Bristol County has forced the reopening of contract talks that the parties thought were settled last week, said Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson.

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Posted Apr. 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Posted Apr. 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM

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DARTMOUTH — The union representing corrections officers in Bristol County has forced the reopening of contract talks that the parties thought were settled last week, said Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson.

He called it "outrageous" that, after the fact, the union wants to pursue six items that weren't in the agreement. He said the union also indicated it will negotiate by phone rather than face-to-face.

The three-year contract is to provide a one-time $10,000 raise plus pay parity with officers in other jurisdictions. Hodgson is calling for a vote on it, but union executives have refused, he said.

Hodgson said that the corrections officers themselves are circulating a petition to ask their union executives to allow a vote.

Hodgson said that although he regrets the position of the Massachusetts Corrections Officers Federated Union, he will continue the negotiations, possibly as early as today.

Union officials could not be reached for comment; last week, they failed to return a half-dozen calls seeking comment on the contract issue. Bargaining units representing captains, majors and K-9 officers have approved new contracts.